For that matter, how likely is it that the powers that be would allow opposing points of view from those who think differently than most of us do?
The reason I want to have this discussion is because I've noticed that people who are not in lock step with the majority here tend to be labeled trolls, or trying to stir the pot. In reality some posters are genuinely trying to guage how others feel, how strong their convictions are, and trying to understand why some have over the top and intractable views on the 2nd Amendment (i.e. private citizens owning WMD's).
For instance I consider myself very pro 2nd Amendment, have owned a gun since I was a teen, been a member of the NRA, have a CCW, etc.
Yet there have been a few times I've had a different take on a subject and started a thread to discuss the matter. In a couple of instances I've had the thread closed down and been told the thread had "run it's course". This after less than 12 hours of starting it. Funny enough in the thread I reference I had left for a few hours and when I returned a post was made that helped me see a point of view I had not considered. Yet I could not respond or delve into it more because the thread had already been locked.
I clearly had the impression that since I did not agree with the majority, my point of view was marginalized, and some considered my position to be that of a troll, so it was shut down. So if that can happen with a pro-2nd amendment guy, what chance does a luke warm pro-gun person have, or even worse, an anti-2nd Amendment poster
Now of course this thread could be considered "stirring the pot" by someone and be locked as a result. Needless to say I hope that is not the case.
The fact of the matter is I like this forum for the most part, and lurk much more than I post. However I'd like to think my point of view is just as valued as the next person regardless of how I perceive things. I'd also like to think that someone who has an opposing point of view should be allowed to come here and have a discussion with me/us without fear of having their posts/threads shut down despite being within the confines of the written rules.
So what is your take on the aforementioned?
The reason I want to have this discussion is because I've noticed that people who are not in lock step with the majority here tend to be labeled trolls, or trying to stir the pot. In reality some posters are genuinely trying to guage how others feel, how strong their convictions are, and trying to understand why some have over the top and intractable views on the 2nd Amendment (i.e. private citizens owning WMD's).
For instance I consider myself very pro 2nd Amendment, have owned a gun since I was a teen, been a member of the NRA, have a CCW, etc.
Yet there have been a few times I've had a different take on a subject and started a thread to discuss the matter. In a couple of instances I've had the thread closed down and been told the thread had "run it's course". This after less than 12 hours of starting it. Funny enough in the thread I reference I had left for a few hours and when I returned a post was made that helped me see a point of view I had not considered. Yet I could not respond or delve into it more because the thread had already been locked.
I clearly had the impression that since I did not agree with the majority, my point of view was marginalized, and some considered my position to be that of a troll, so it was shut down. So if that can happen with a pro-2nd amendment guy, what chance does a luke warm pro-gun person have, or even worse, an anti-2nd Amendment poster
Now of course this thread could be considered "stirring the pot" by someone and be locked as a result. Needless to say I hope that is not the case.
The fact of the matter is I like this forum for the most part, and lurk much more than I post. However I'd like to think my point of view is just as valued as the next person regardless of how I perceive things. I'd also like to think that someone who has an opposing point of view should be allowed to come here and have a discussion with me/us without fear of having their posts/threads shut down despite being within the confines of the written rules.
So what is your take on the aforementioned?